Dea Mary Rotella died on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at her home in Rutland, after a brief illness, and with family by her side.

She was born on Nov. 25, 1924, in Rutland, the daughter of Mariano and Carmela (Cala) Rotella.

Dea graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1941 and trained as a Registered Nurse at the Bishop DeGosbriand Hospital School of Nursing in Burlington, taking her degree in 1944.

She worked as a private duty nurse and then for many years at the Rutland Hospital. She was committed to patient-centered care before the term became a watchword and was particularly proud of her participation in the opening of the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

She was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Church; she belonged to the Sodality, the Rutland Country Club, and the Sicilian-American Society; and she took special pleasure in gardening, birding, baking, visits to the coast of Maine, the Red Sox, good friends, and a large and affectionate family whose younger members she particularly doted on and encouraged.

Dea is survived by her brother Guido Rotella, of Rutland; by her sister Sylvia (Rotella) Manez, of Massapequa, New York, and by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

She was predeceased by her sisters Josephine (Jo) Rotella, Irene (Rotella) Ryan, Edith (Rotella) Carrigan, and Nancy (Rotella) Lemmo; and by her brother Roy Rotella.

Funeral arrangements are by Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland. Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday. The funeral will be at St. Peter’s Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dea Rotella’s name may be made to the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center or to the MSJ Rotella Scholarship Fund.